Get ready for the 2019 Somerville International Film Festival, an annual film festival meant to showcase innovative independent cinema from around the world by up-and-coming artists.

Entry to the screenings is free of charge.

Aiming to inspire, motivate and award new talent, The Somerville Film Festival will take place in the bustling Davis Square neighborhood of Somerville (MA). As a celebration of the cinematic and visual arts, the festival will bring diverse international films to our community (The Somerville Theatre) and showcase the best regional and international filmmakers. Somerville Film Festival aims to expand the artistic image of our region, engage new audiences in the world of film, and inspire creativity in all of us.

Best Narrative Feature Film
Best Documentary Feature Film
Best Animated Feature Film
Best Narrative Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
Best Animated Short Film
Best Underground Film
Best Experimental Film

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSIONS
The Somerville Film Festival accept all forms and genres. All non-English language films must be subtitled in English. Entry, accept the 'guaranteed selection submissions', does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. Submissions WILL NOT be returned. We also accept submissions that have premiered elsewhere and that may have distribution agreements already in place. However, TV, theatrical, online video, other festival, or other distribution outlets that run concurrently or in the same month of the festival may not be eligible for screening. Rough cuts and incomplete projects are not accepted. Multiple entries are allowed, however a separate entry form must be submitted for each. The festival has the capability to screen BluRay and DVD.

EXHIBITION & SCREENING
Screenings are scheduled during the Festival at the discretion of the Somerville Film Festival. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, Somerville Film Festival reserves the right to make changes at any time for any reason. Somerville Film Festival will not be liable for any costs claimed as a result of a change in scheduling. No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection. If chosen as an official selection, Somerville Film Festival is granted the permission to exhibit the film at the 2019 Somerville Film Festival and all associated screenings. Location and timing of any screenings of the film shall be the sole decision of the organizers of the Somerville Film Festival. Filmmakers will be solely responsible for all costs resulting from the submission of the film to the Festival including but not limited to postage or insurance of the film, and expenses of your staff or any representatives of the film. Producer will indemnify the organisers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

LOSS OR DAMAGE
Although every precaution will be taken to prevent loss or damage to materials while in the possession of the festival, The Somerville Film Festival is not responsible should any materials be damaged while in transit to or from, or while in the possession of the festival.

ENTRY LIABILITY
The filmmaker holds the Somerville Film Festival, its management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from entry. The filmmaker certifies to have full rights. Producer will indemnify the organisers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

SCREENING FEE
The festival does not offer screening fees for its films. By submitting through FilmFreeway you are agreeing to NOT request a screening fee as a requirement for your film's participation in the festival, should your film get selected for the program.

WAIVER REQUESTS
Since the festival only requires a nominal entry fee, we will NOT accept requests for other entry fee waivers.

We were so excited to have both of our films screen at Somerville: "Nicabob" and "Requiem for Tyrin." Unfortunately, we could not make it to the festival, and "Nicabob" took the prize of "Best Underground Film." As a prize, the festival gave us full waivers to ten other festivals. We were about to give up on sending our film to festivals because we had exceeded our budget. With this prize, SIFF allowed us to extend our festival run and potential win more awards. This was quite a clever award, and we heartily appreciated it.

The staff were very communicative before, during and after the festival. Overall a great experience. I hope to screen there again and to visit the festival personally!

Noah Canavan

Great festival that curated to narratives, documentaries, and experimental pieces. Was a great experience to attend. Was able to reserve seats for friends, and was located in one of my favorite theaters in the Boston area. All of the films selected were great, too!

Heather Cassano

I wasn't able to attend the festival with my film, but the organizers were very communicative and interested in The Limits of My World. The film even ended up winning Best Documentary Feature! Friends who attended said the festival was fun. Thanks Somerville Film Festival!

GREAT time! I drove up to the SIFF last weekend for the screening of my short MY SITDOWN WITH SANDMAN and was really treated well by Martin and the whole gang! Even with a complimentary glass of wine! The film selections all ran smooth, good audio and video and the actual films I saw were a delight; honored to be in their company! KUDOS TO SIFF! One of the better festival experiences I've had!